By Jacob Shteyman
Wantaway Parramatta teenage star Blaize Talagi has shown Eels fans what they’ll be missing next year, starring in a surprise 30-20 defeat of the Warriors in Auckland.
The 19-year-old centre, who is set to join Penrith in 2025, scored a try and set up another on Friday night.
Eels fullback Clint Gutherson scores against the Warriors.Credit: Getty
The second-from-bottom Eels produced one of their most convincing displays of the season to break a six-game losing streak and all but end the Warriors’ finals hopes.
The 12th-placed Warriors remain three points adrift of the top eight, with their finals rivals still to play.
Parramatta, meanwhile, had only pride to play for and were coming off a torrid week in which they lost Talagi, and promising forward Charlie Guymer asked for permission to speak to other clubs.
But Talagi is not gone yet.
He set up the first try of the night, finding the last pass for winger Jake Tago in a sweeping move to the left.
Joey Lussick doubled the Eels’ advantage before the Warriors hit back through Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, with Shaun Johnson involved in the build-up in his return from injury.
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson also starred after a disappointing season.
The fullback scored one try and assisted another, but perhaps his most impressive moment was an incredible one-on-one strip on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak when the Warriors winger looked certain to score in the dying minutes.
Parramatta prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard.Credit: Getty
Halfback Daejarn Asi slipped through the Warriors defence to round out the first period, before Talagi extended the lead to 26 points shortly after halftime.
Even with Johnson back organising the line, the Warriors attack looked bereft of ideas until the 71st minute.
The Warriors finally hit back through fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad before Tago was sent to the bin for a professional foul with five minutes left.
The home side made the most of their numerical advantage with tries to Marata Niukore and Watene-Zelezniak, but it was too little too late.
AAP
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